UN experts have decried new legislation in Kyrgyzstan that restricts freedom of religion or belief. The new laws, enacted by President Japarov, impose severe limitations on various rights and require all religious bodies to register with the State Commission for Religious Affairs. Experts call for compliance with international standards and dialogue with affected religious communities.
On Thursday, UN experts condemned new legislation in Kyrgyzstan that restricts freedom of religion or belief. They urged the authorities to align all laws with both domestic and international human rights standards, highlighting that these new laws would significantly impede freedoms related to thought, conscience, and religion, as well as freedom of expression, assembly, association, and cultural rights.
The experts noted that while international law permits certain restrictions on rights, the newly enacted legislation does not adhere to these criteria. They called for meaningful dialogue between Kyrgyz authorities and minority religious groups impacted by these laws, asserting a willingness to assist the Kyrgyz Government in ensuring compliance with international obligations regarding religious freedom.
President Sadyr Japarov signed the Law on Freedom of Religion and Religious Organizations and the Law on Countering Extremist Activities earlier this year. These laws extend restrictions on religious freedoms, including imposing fines for public display of religious attire and requiring all religious communities to register with the State Commission for Religious Affairs (SCRA) every decade.
The new laws increase the minimum number of members required for religious organization registration from 200 to 500. They also mandate prior notification to local authorities before any events at places of worship, with fines imposed for unauthorized religious practices. The SCRA has been granted broad powers over registration, control, and censorship of religious activities and materials.
Kanatbek Midin uuly, Deputy Director of the SCRA, defended the legislation, arguing that it aims to enable citizens to exercise their constitutional rights while enhancing state security and preventing extremism. However, clear indications from international law suggest that undue restrictions infringe on individual liberties, especially when concerning public safety, order, or rights of others.
The draft laws originated from the SCRA, National Security Committee (NSC), and the Interior Ministry, accompanied by concerns from UN special rapporteurs regarding compliance with human rights obligations. Administrative and judicial harassment against religious groups has been reported, prompting experts to recommend protective measures for minorities’ rights to cultural identity and religious practice during Kyrgyzstan’s review of compliance with international efforts.
The UN experts have expressed serious concerns regarding Kyrgyzstan’s recent legislative measures that undermine religious freedom. They are urging for alignment with international human rights standards and encouraging dialogue with affected groups. The laws, criticized for vague restrictions and excessive control over religious practices, may lead to increased minority oppression and infringe upon established human rights obligations.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
